Your Letters 14th October 2002

I WOULD like to add my support to the views of Janet Corless (ECHO Letters, October 2) regarding the city council's plan to turn the huge sports hall at the Peter Lloyd Leisure Centre into an adult-only fitness suite.

I WOULD >like to add my support to the views of Janet Corless (ECHO Letters, October 2) regarding the city council's plan to turn the huge sports hall at the Peter Lloyd Leisure Centre into an adult-only fitness suite.

Not only will this deprive many Liverpool children of the chance to pursue their chosen sports, it will also deprive their families of a valuable resource.

How many times have we heard our politicians talk about the need to regenerate local communities, especially in the inner city? Why can't they see that this would be such a backward step?

And how will it be viewed by the judges of the Capital of Culture bid? They, at least, appreciate that sport, in all its diversity, is a vital component of a city's culture. It's a pity Mr Storey and Co can't see it.

Many sports will be in danger of falling by the wayside if this plan goes ahead. And it also applies to Garston Leisure Centre.

Please contact your local councillors and voice your opposition to this outrageous and morally indefensible plan.

Ruth Skinner, West Derby.>

YOUR >article "CRB checks up to date" (ECHO, October 8) reports that checks on teachers are now up to date. But what about the rest of us?

I have now been waiting for 21 weeks for my check to come through and after a phone call today it's going to be a minimum of two weeks more!

S.B., Walton>

YOUR >article "School to Shut" (ECHO, October 8) reports the planned closure of the School of the Good Shepherd. So once again the most vulnerable members of society must suffer.

This is an exceptional school which caters for children with special needs. It provides physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, speech therapy etc which could never be provided in mainstream schools, where teachers are already overstretched.

Some parents are now approaching similar schools outside of the Sefton area as they are fearful for the future of their children. Sefton Council - hang your heads in shame.

Mrs Mary Hancock, Bootle.>

WHY >can buses not pull into the kerb to help passengers get on and off?

The bus steps are so high and some buses stop nearly in the middle of the road, a danger in itself.

The worst place for this is the bus stop outside the Royal Liverpool Hospital where many outpatients have disabilities and walking problems.

There are cars parked both sides of the bus shelter, some blatantly on the double yellow lines on one side and far too close on the other for the buses to get near. Some drivers do their best, others are not so helpful.

Surely a solution to this problem could be to banish parking so near to the bus stops.

Gladys Thomas, Walton.>

JOHN> Hodson's comments about Liverpool Direct (ECHO, October 2) are a disgrace. This tenant's representative shouldn't be running to the press because he's impatient.

I have to be patient when I ring Liverpool Direct.

The staff at the call centre are excellent, very understanding, professional and very well informed. The service has always been brilliant when I and my neighbours have telephoned.

Keep up the good work, Liverpool city council and Liverpool Direct.

Helen Smithson, Toxteth.>

I WOULD >like to reply to your special investigation into Liverpool Direct. Whenever I ring, I only have to wait a few seconds before a member of staff has answered the telephone. More importantly, I have never been fobbed off by any of the brilliant well trained staff at the call centre.

Liverpool Direct might have had problems in the past, but the service is getting better.

Surely the Holy Spirit Himself would "throw some light" on Mr. Moran's lack of understanding of the Old Testament, if he came to the God of the Bible humbly acknowledging that he is a sinner.

But if he won't do that, why doesn't he just visit the school and see for himself the effect of the biblical teachings on the behaviour of the students? I know of a teacher there who says he hasn't witnessed any fighting in all the five years he has worked there, as opposed to one fight a week, on average, in his previous post in Kirkby! I know where I would send MY children.

Lise Sharkey, Ormskirk>

A PLEA >to bus drivers. As somebody who won't see 60 again, I am a little old to have to slalom to my seat as the bus pulls away from the stop. It would be a major help if drivers could wait a moment or two, until all passengers are seated, before moving off.

Dave Wiggins, Rainford>

WOULD >all the "supporters" of Father Tony McCaffrey still have the same sympathy and devotion to this man if he had sexually assaulted and violated YOUR son?

I note there was no mention of the poor victim in your heart-wrenching letters of support.

Ms Keogh, L18.>

AS >A resident of the Eldonian Village I wish to respond to the letter from Liz McCallum (ECHO, October 2). Every day I see the Eldonian workmen picking up the litter, and emptying the bins and generally keeping the village clean and tidy.

I don't know where Ms McCullum was looking, but it certainly was not part of the Eldonian Village.

Mrs R Hobson, Eldonian Village.>

I HAVE >just watched a programme on BBC2 about the Thalidomide children, who have now reached 40.

And I have never felt so humble in my life.

Never again will I complain about the hand that life has dealt me.

Their courage, resilience and dignity are an inspiration to us all.

M Greenall, Norris Green.>

THE >way Audley Harrison is mapping out his boxing career, he is in line to become the first old age pensioner to fight for a world title.

Dave Abrahams, Norris Green.>

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